Several cases of food poisoning from eating leftover rice have recently occurred in Xi'an. The health department has reminded citizens that leftover rice is more likely to cause food poisoning in summer and autumn, and people should be cautious when consuming it.
It is reported that there is a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which easily grows and reproduces toxins in large quantities in foods such as rice, rice noodles, and other dairy products, meat products, and vegetables at temperatures between 16°C and 50°C. Summer and autumn are the most active seasons for Bacillus cereus, so food poisoning from it is most prevalent during these two seasons. The most common foods causing poisoning are leftover rice, fried rice, cold dishes, and sauces.
The health department advises that it is best to avoid eating rice left from a previous meal or overnight during the summer and autumn. If one must consume such rice, it should be thoroughly heated to 100°C and then left to stand for 20 minutes before eating.